Catechesis is an education to faith. In this process the child is oriented towards a meaningful relationship with God in his life situations.

St.Thomas Christians trace the origin of their faith to 52 A.D when St. Thomas, the ardent apostle of Jesus preached the good news to the masses in India. As people began to migrate, the Syro-Malabar church established by St.Thomas spread across the world. St.Thomas Christians cherished the rich Christ-experience, powerful liturgical traditions and deep-rooted spirituality they inherited.

Faith formation has been given predominance over all other church activities, as we are fully aware of our responsibility to the future generations. Bearing this is mind; we started our catechism programme in September 2000 with around 125 children and a group of highly devoted staff under the leadership of Fr.Jacob Panamthottam. The teachers were given intensive training and also refresher courses to improve their spiritual knowledge and teaching skills.

The catechetical year starts from September to June with one-month leave during December. School closes for the summer vacation during July and August according to the academic calendar of the State of Qatar. A midterm unite test is also given and much importance is given in teaching all the prayers in Malayalam and English, prescribed and traditionally used by our Church. An option to write the exams either in Malayalam or English is given to the children.

Today, in the 7th year, we have more than 450 children in levels I through XII and a strength of 36 dedicated and dynamic teachers, under the leadership of the Head teacher, Mrs. Kochurani Jose Purackal and Asst. Head teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Anto, who said ‘Yes’ to the call of our Lord Jesus Christ, spreading and teaching the word of God in the footsteps of St.Thomas, the apostle of Jesus. They are being spiritually guided by our Parish Priest and Director of Catechism Fr. Jose Thachukunnel, OFM, Cap. We also have a very dedicated Secretary, Mrs. Thresiamma Joseph and Joint Secretary, Mr. Mathew Jose Purackal for the smooth running of the programme.

The catechism text books followed here are of the Diocese of Kalyan, “The Call to Life” series that help the child to experience God in a very meaningful way and to encounter the realities of life effectively and positively. The church history liturgy, sacrament and theme of the Bible inculcate values and awareness in children. We also take pride and joy to say that we are the first ones to introduce the ‘Unified Texts’ prescribed by the Syro-Malabar Synodal Commission for Catechesis. Up till now, the Commission has published texts in English only till Level VI (6^th) and we are also following the same. Keeping in mind the new comers, we also use & refer the Malayalam texts as well.

A catechism student’s diary has been introduced since last year, for a meaningful rapport between teachers and parents, enabling the learning process a fruitful and enriching experience.

 Every year, we have about 30 children receiving First Holy Communion and Confirmation. They are given additional preparatory classes for 1 month with 3 hours duration.

A Youth festival (Bible Kalolsavam) is conducted to give the children an opportunity to express their talents through healthy competitions. Prizes are also given to meritorious children for their success in the annual examinations and for full attendance. These are given to the children during annual day celebrations. And this year, a drawing & coloring competition was conducted in November with the theme ‘Xmas’ and the winning drawings will be printed and sold as Xmas cards.

Active participation of the children in the church activities is encouraged through the Cherupushpam Mission League, (CML). Special training is given for both boys and girls to serve in the Holy Qurbana as Altar Servers. Picnics are arranged with the Parish for children’s leisure and enjoyment.

Every Saturday, ‘Jesus Kids Ministry’ for children upto 4^th level and ‘Christeen Ministry’ for children above 4^th level are conducted with confessions on the last Saturday of every month, giving importance to receive the Sacraments on the first Fridays of every month. 

A summer camp is arranged during July and August with a gamut of activities ranging from art & craft, cooking, karate, aerobics, mind games, ice skating, bowling above all, Bible study and choir singing.

Faith formation has been given predominance over all other church activities as we are fully aware of our responsibility to the future generations. Bearing this is mind; we started our catechism programme in September, 2000 with around 125 children and a group of highly devoted staff under the leadership of Fr.Jacob Panamthottam. The teachers were given intensive training and also refresher courses to improve their spiritual knowledge and teaching skills.

Today, in the sixth year, we have more than 300 children in levels I through XII and a strength of 31 dedicated and dynamic teachers, under the leadership of the Headmistress, Mrs. Kochurani Jose Purackal and Asst. Headmaster, Mr. K.A Joseph who said ‘Yes’ to the call of our Lord Jesus Christ, spreading and teaching the word of God in the footsteps of St.Thomas, the apostle of Jesus. They are being spiritually guided by our Parish Priest and Director of Catechism Fr. Jose Thachukunnel, OFM, Cap. We also have a very dedicated Secretary, Mr. Siby Kurien for the smooth running of the programme.

The catechism text books followed here are of the Diocese of Kalyan, “The Call to Life” series which help the child to experience God in a very meaningful way and to encounter the realities of life effectively and positively. The church history liturgy, sacrement and theme of the Bible inculcate values and awareness in children. The books are prepared according to the age and mental framework of the children in such a way that ‘Pre - Communion’ (Levels 1 & 2), Communion (Levels 3 & 4), Post Communion (Levels 5 & 6), Pre - Confirmation (Levels 7 & 8) and Confirmation (Levels 9 & 10) and Youth Catechesis (Levels 11 & 12). We are indebted to H.E Mar Thomas Elavanal, Bishop of Kalyan and Fr.Joy Paliakkara, the Director of Catechism for their sincere support in this endeavor.

A catechism student’s diary has been introduced this year, for a meaningful rapport between teachers and parents, enabling the learning process a fruitful and enriching experience.

The catechetical year starts from September to June with one month leave during December. School closes for the summer vacation during July and August according to the academic calendar of the State of Qatar.

Every year, we have about 25 children receiving First Holy Communion and Confirmation. They are given additional preparatory classes. A Youth festival (Bible Kalolsavam) is conducted to give the children an oppurtunity to express their talents through healthy competitions. Prizes are also given to meritorious children for their success in the annual examinations and for full attendance. These are given to the children during annual day celebrations.

Active participation of the children in the church activities is encouraged through the Cherupushpam Mission League, (CML). Special training is given for both boys and girls to serve in the Holy Qurbana as Altar Servers. Picnics are also arranged for children’s leisure and enjoyment.

Every Saturday, ‘Jesus Kids Ministry’ for children upto 4^th level and ‘Christeen Ministry’ for children above 4^th level are conducted with confessions on the last Saturday of every month, giving importance to receive the Sacraments on the first Fridays of every month.

A summer camp is arranged during July and August with a gamut of activities ranging from art & craft, cooking, karate, aerobics, mind games, ice skating, bowling above all, Bible study and choir singing.

May God bless us all…